Seized piston in a brake caliper

Brake calipers are activated by a piston to clamp the disc. If the piston is seized, the caliper may remain clamped on the disc, or will not be activated when the brakes are applied.

Table of Contents

• 1. Symptoms
  • 1.1 Brakes Lock Up
  • 1.2 Brakes Don't Engage

Symptoms

Brakes Lock Up

If the caliper piston is seized, the caliper may have locked in such a way that the caliper won't release the brake disc. If it is seized in such a way that it is also clamping, the brakes may lock up while driving.

Brakes Don't Engage

If the brakes are not engaging, a seized caliper piston may have locked the caliper away from the disc. As the brake pedal is pressed, there is no movement of the caliper on the disc.